Royal Parks policing, Metropolitan Police budget cuts, London police changes, MPS Royal Parks, crime in parks, policing restructure

In a significant development for London’s green spaces, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed that its dedicated Royal Parks policing team will be disbanded by April 2025, as the force grapples with a £260 million funding shortfall.

The news was revealed in a formal letter dated April 29 from Commander Owain Richards, the Met’s lead for Royal Parks policing, addressed to stakeholders and partners across the capital. The letter outlines the force’s strategy to restructure park policing under wider neighborhood teams due to “difficult funding decisions.

Key Announcement

“It is with regret that we have taken the tough decision to no longer have a dedicated Royal Parks policing team. The transition to our new model of policing for the Royal Parks will begin during 2025,” the letter reads.

The decision means iconic London spaces like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Green Park, Kensington Gardens, Bushy Park, Richmond Park, and Greenwich Park will no longer have dedicated officers. Instead, responsibility for patrolling and policing these areas will fall to local Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs).

Why the Change?

The Metropolitan Police cites the need to reduce the size of its workforce, including police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), to cope with the financial deficit. The Met said it has been working closely with the Royal Parks to manage the transition and mitigate the impact on public safety and visibility.

Despite the change, Commander Richards said the Met is committed to ensuring the safety of visitors and addressing crime in the parks. Some high-priority areas will still receive targeted resources based on demand, with additional support provided during major events and peak periods.

Public Reaction & Concerns

The announcement has already sparked concern among campaigners and local groups, who fear the absence of a dedicated team could leave parks more vulnerable to antisocial behaviour, theft, and assaults.

Many of the Royal Parks host major public gatherings and serve as vital green spaces for millions of Londoners and tourists alike, making the loss of a specialised policing presence a significant shift in the capital’s law enforcement strategy.

What’s Next?

All existing Royal Parks officers will be reassigned to neighborhood teams across London. The Met says it will continue to monitor policing demands across parkland sites and adjust resources accordingly.